Dining focuses on creating inclusive environment

For Students by Students focuses on creating more student jobs, developing career tracks, and nurturing students.

Sept. 12—The cafeteria at Sonoma State University, in Rohnert Park, Calif., is working to change its atmosphere and build a community for its students. By launching a new initiative, “For Students by Students,” employees and interns hope to recreate the cafeteria experience. It will no longer be a place solely centered on food but will create an inclusive environment for all students.

Intern and senior Chris Jayden Romo has worked for dining services for three years. He began washing dishes, but his involvement really took off when he became more than just an employee.

“I used to do front of the house and was a manager on the floor,” Romo said. “I was leading peers, assisting when needed, and was kind of at the same level as some of the full time staff.”

City officials are weighing changes to school menus less than one year after earlier changes drew parent criticism. Officials say those menu changes were not final, and an advisory board is suggesting healthier, fresher dishes and a more expansive in-class breakfast program.